A-shaped morphology: how to dress?

What is the A shape ?

A-shaped morphology, also known as pyramid morphology or triangle morphology, is the most common form of morphology the most common silhouette for women. It is associated with femininity and fertility.

A woman with an A shape has hips that are wider than her shoulders. Her buttocks are generally rounded and her thighs voluptuous. A woman's breasts are often small (there are exceptions), reflecting the width of her shoulders. The tops worn are often of a different size to the bottoms.

Some of the best-known international stars with an A-shaped body include the very famous Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez !

How can you tell if you have an A-shaped body? All you have to do is measure your shoulders and then your hips. If your shoulders measure less than your waist, you're an A-shaped woman. If the figures are reversed, you're more likely to have a V shape.

Read also: How do you know your body type ?

PS: the shape of an A-shaped woman (like other shapes) is not linked to her weight. Some A-shaped women have a figure that could be described as slim, while others are more curvaceous. Similarly, waist and hip sizes can vary.

How can you make the most of your assets with an A-shaped body?

When you have a pyramid-shaped figure, the priority is generally to balance it out. So we create looks with clothes that enhance the curves of the hips without accentuating them too much. At the top, the emphasis is on adding volume through different solutions.

What clothes should you choose to enhance your A shape?

The great thing about fashion is that there are a thousand and one ways to have fun and look your best. And that goes for all body shapes, including A shapes. Dresses, coats, tops, etc. how do you choose the right pieces for your dressing room? What cuts should you choose? Here are some tips.

Which coats are right for an A-shaped body ?

Coats are key pieces in any wardrobe, and it's important to choose them carefully. Women with an A-shaped body should opt for coats with shoulder pads or structured shoulders. They give the upper body more curves and create a more balanced look. And structured coats and jackets are timeless.

Which tops are right for an A-shaped body?

The first thing you need to know is that A shapes can have a lot of fantasy about the upper body. Since the idea is to add volume, you can use and abuse :

• tops with ruffles around the shoulders or chest;

• butterfly sleeve tops ;
• ruffled tops ;
• tops with balloon sleeves ;
• tops in brightly coloured patterns and prints (floral tops, for example).

With your figure, don't hesitate to try low-cut necklines if you like to show off your breasts. We prefer necklines :

• square ;
• rounds ;
• heart-shaped ;
• boat.

These are the best alternatives for visually enhancing the bust. These necklines are also very flattering.

Which stockings are right for an A-shaped body?

As far as stockings are concerned, we advise you to opt for rather dark pieces in plain colours, without ruffles or motifs.Pour when it comes to fabrics, there's only one watchword: flowing fabrics!

Types of clothing, a midi skirt, bootcut jeans or straight trousers will look great on you ! For trousers in particular, go for high waists.

Finally, to make your silhouette even longer, opt for a pair of ankle boots or sandals with heels.

What dresses should I choose for an A-shaped body ?

If you're looking for the perfect little dress for you, look no further than :

• straight dresses ;
• models with volume at the top ;
• trapeze dresses ;
• dresses shirts.

Empire dresses or dresses that flare out below your bust (rather than your hips) are also perfect for your shape.

Discover the Elora dress collection

What clothes should I avoid for an A-shaped body?

As with all body shapes, some forms of clothing are less flattering than others for A-shaped women. Here are the clothes and combinations to avoid (or at least limit) for the best look:

• Tight-fitting tops that stop right at the hips

They reinforce the impression of volume around the hips.

• Horizontal stripes

Horizontal stripes should be avoided on a pyramid-shaped person. They emphasise the contrast between narrow shoulders and voluptuous hips.

• Ruffles, frills and basques at the bottom of tops

Generally speaking, these elements are very aesthetic and give the opportunity to add volume and dynamism to an outfit. On an A-shaped body, they are superfluous when placed on the lower part of tops, as they draw the eye to an undesirable area. As mentioned above, this type of embellishment is preferable on the upper part of the bust.

• Faded jeans at the top of the thighs and slims-fitting jeans

Once again, this can draw attention to an area that you want to soften.

• Low-rise jeans

Low-rise jeans and similar styles of stockings tend to cut the figure in exactly the wrong places. They can easily give the effect of a taut silhouette.

• Tube dresses

Why should you avoid them if you have an A-shaped body? Quite simply because they compress the figure, just like jeans !

What accessories are needed to enhance an A shape?

Fun: the watchword when choosing jewellery when you have an A-shaped silhouette. You can be tempted by :

• short necklaces, bulky necklaces such as bibs ;

• bulky scarves;
• pins ;
• thin belts, to be worn around the waist rather than the hips;
• bags, to be worn over the shoulder rather than across the chest. Shoulder bags stop at around waist level, adding to the volume.

In short, there are plenty of possibilities when it comes to accessories. It's up to you to try out different combinations to find the ones that suit you best.

Read also: What women's accessories are essential for every occasion?

How do you dress when you're short and A-shaped?

Generally speaking, the same advice applies to women, whether large or small, with a few exceptions.

Women who are rather small should avoid :

• skirts that are too long. Knee-lengths may be preferable to midi skirts. If you really love long dresses and can't live without them, just make sure your ankles aren't covered;
• long coats, in favour of short coats (still structured at the shoulders) that don't hide the buttocks. The aim? To give the impression that your legs are longer.

What are the characteristics of an A shape? - To summarise

To sum up, the characteristics of an A shape and the advice to follow are as follows:

• a body that is narrower at the shoulders and wider at the hips;
• if you want to rebalance your figure, choose clothes that add volume to the shoulders and bust;
• dark colours are preferred at the bottom to achieve a "slimming" effect.

Good to know

All this advice is given as a guide only. Ultimately, it's up to each woman to choose the clothes that appeal to her aesthetically. Comfort is also essential. The ideal garment should be comfortable to wear all day long.

Discover the Elora collection of shirts and tunics